Diagnosing Barrett’s Oesophagus

Barrett’s Oesophagus cannot be diagnosed by symptoms alone. Diagnosing Barrett’s is dependent on an upper endoscopy performed by a GI or surgeon. This procedure enables the physician to directly visualise the oesophagus and take tissue samples.

Barrett’s Oesophagus is the primary risk factor for oesophageal cancer

The importance of early detection

Between 10-20% percent of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) patients may progress to Barrett’s oesophagus in their lifetime.¹ Barrett’s oesophagus is the primary risk factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma, a type of oesophageal cancer.^2-4

If you experience frequent GORD symptoms and have been regularly using medications to control heartburn for several years, speak to a your GP about a referral to a gastroenterologist (GI).

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Endoscopy with biopsy procedure

An endoscopy is a procedure performed under sedation that allows the physician to directly visualise oesophageal tissue and identify any abnormal tissue. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a small camera attached. During the procedure, the endoscope is guided down the throat to inspect the oesophagus and capture pictures of the tissue. Your physician will also perform a biopsy and collect a small tissue sample for further examination. This sample will be used to determine if there is dysplasia (abnormal cell growth) present in the lining of your oesophagus.

Your tissue sample may be classified into one of the following:

Intestinal Metaplasia Without Dysplasia: Barrett’s oesophagus is present. No precancerous changes are visible in the cells of the oesophageal lining.
Low-Grade Dysplasia: Cells show early signs of precancerous changes that could lead to oesophageal cancer.
High-Grade Dysplasia: Oesophagus cells display a high degree of precancerous changes, thought to be the final step before oesophageal cancer.

Stages of Barrett’s Oesophagus

Normal, healthy oesophagus

Oesophagus damaged by prolonged acid exposure

Non-dysplastic Barrett’s Oesophagus

Low grade dysplasia

High grade dysplasia

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma

1 Modiano N, Gerson LB. Barrett's esophagus: Incidence, etiology, pathophysiology, prevention and treatment. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2007 Dec;3(6):1035-145.

2 De Jonge PJ, van Blankenstein M, Looman CW, Casparie MK, Meijer GA, Kuipers EJ. Risk of malignant progression in patients with Barrett’s oesophagus: a Dutch nationwide cohort study. Gut. 2010;59:1030-6.

3 Spechler S. et al. Barrett’s Esophagus. N Engl J Med 2014; 371:836-45.

4 Hvid-Jensen F, Pedersen L, Drewes AM, Sorensen HT, Funch-Jensen P. Incidence of adenocarcinoma among patients with Barrett’s esophagus. N Engl J Med. 2011;365:1375-83.